Clarence McDonald Dead at 76: Cause of Death Tragic, Confirms Wife

Clarence McDonald, who created a long list of music for TV and film industry, has died. He was 76.

McDonald's wife, Susan, confirmed his tragic passing this week and revealed that the musician died on July 21. She added that he passed away after losing his years-old battle against cancer.

Following his death, musical director Sonny Burke remembered him as a part of the music industry who set a standard of excellence for all.

His fans and colleagues also left messages to him and paid tribute after discovering the news.

"Despite the incredible determination on his part & devoted caregivers, Clarence "Mac" McDonald transitioned on 7/21/21," one user said. "When a person's energy elevates any room he entered, before he sat down @ the #piano, we feel very blessed to be loved by him. He lives on in our hearts 4ever."

One other Twitter person wrote, "It seems like everyday we lose one, today we lost a great composer and producer Mr. Clarence McDonald."

Clarence McDonald Left Decades Worth of Contributions

The Los Angeles-based musician found love in playing piano at the age of 12. During that time, he started performing in funerals before shifting his career to several nightclubs.

His professional career began during the 1960s when he functioned as the musical director and pianist for "The Vocals." McDonald then composed "Moving on Up," the theme song to the 1975-85 CBS sitcom "The Jeffersons."

He collaborated with actress Ja'Net DuBois and a Gospel Choir to complete the song.

As a songwriter, he shared his talent to Deniece Williams for her 1976 debut album "This is Niecy." The 1977 LP "Menagerie" included the No. 1 hit song "Lovely Day" before he made another chart-topper, "The Best of My Love."

The producer also created Taylor's 1975 classic "How Sweet It Is" and Charles and Gladys Knight's "Heaven Help Us All" during the early days of his career.

During his five-decade career, Mcdonald worked with other known artists including The Temptations, Ella Fitzgerald, Carole King, The Jackson 5, Patti LaBelle, and Aretha Franklin to name a few.

In the years leading to his death, he was able to collaborate with Ray Charles, Bill Withers, James Taylor, and Cheech & Chong.